Few things ever go wrong in Sydney, but if they do, a planned holiday transfer could be just the solution you need. When you are jet-lagged from a long-haul flight (and flying to Sydney does provide that kick) but you still need to do more planning, then it’s probably going to be one of the most tiring and tedious experiences you’ll encounter. Get ahead there with the holiday transfer!
Still, that big looming question is yet to be answered; how can you get the most out of your trip to Sydney?

Sydney Opera House

Everyone’s heard of the Sydney Opera House. It’s iconic, even on an architectural basis alone. It’s a multi-venue performing arts powerhouse located right by the water, with luxury boats drifting by in a stylish fashion daily. Put simply, Sydney Opera House oozes sophistication, and it only takes one look from the outside for one to realize its magnificence.

Still, things get even better when you go inside, whether it’s part of a guided tour or you have tickets to a performance of some kind. There’s a 2,679-seater concert hall, theatres, playhouses, studios, recording studios, etc. The guided tour also allows you access backstage areas, so if you’re keen to explore every inch of this iconic venue, well, it’s now pretty much possible!

Bondi Beach

Of course, everyone also loves the beach. That said, Bondi Beach is truly in a class of its own. It’s one of the busiest tourist spots in all Australia, with clear white sand to enjoy under the hot Australian sun, as well as the rushing waves of the clearest ocean blues you’ll ever witness. It’s the perfect archetype of what most people think a beach should feature.

There’re no pebbled areas at Bondi Beach, or murky waters or skies; it just offers bright and unfiltered joy. Here you’ll find an army of surfers elegantly riding every wave, living their lives to the full. It’s the richest example of what a beach area can be. Bondi Beach is well maintained and much loved by locals and tourists alike, making it an unmissable spot to visit when you’re in Sydney!

The Rocks

If you’re keen to immerse yourselves in crowds and the typical Sydney experience more, then The Rocks could provide that jolt of energy you so desperately crave. A stone’s throw away from Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, here you’ll discover homespun clothes and delicious street foods. It’s an area that offers up the purest delights Sydney could ever offer.

Practically every pub and restaurant you can find here has stunning harbor views, and it also features a Museum of Contemporary Art too. There’s a lot to see and do within this area, so try to immerse yourself in all of it. After all, few places have so many diverse experiences within mere short walks of one another!

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Here are mine:

Krakow is full of history

The city dates back to 7^th century and was the capital of Poland during the country’s greatest era. Even if you come here knowing nothing about Polish history, you can get a pretty good understanding of it after visiting the must-sees, like Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica and Rynek Underground.

Centuries went by after those glorious times, and nearly 80 years ago Krakow met its worst moments in the face of the five-year Nazi occupation. It was in those dark days when the well-known heroics of Oscar Schindler came to the fore. The German industrialist managed to save thousands of Jews from Krakow by employing them in his enamel factory, which has been turned into museum and is now open to visitors. Schindler’s story inspired the 1982 prize-winning novel Schindler’s Ark, on which the highly successful movie Schindler’s List was later based.

You can literally spend an entire day (and night) jumping from one café to another without getting bored

… because they are all trendy, vibrant and full of everything you could want from a café. A morning apple pie and a cup of tea on an old school desk looking out over a small cobbled street in Nowa Provincja café makes for a nice start to the day.

I have to open brackets here to explain why you should drink tea instead of coffee. It’s because this is how most Poles choose to start their day and, of course, you want your Krakow experience to be as local as possible. Seriously, they drink a lot of tea – in the morning, before meals, after meals, before beer, after beer and pretty much all day round, or at least until it is acceptable to drink the country’s other best-loved drink: wodka.

If you want to get stuck into the wodka, Krakow offers you a lot of options to choose from – Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa, Tram Bar and Forum Przestrzenie, just to name a few. And just because you need to put some food in your body, as well, you might want to stop by Dynia Resto Bar, whose name translates as “Pumpkin”. When you visit this pumpkin-themed restaurant, prepare to be blown away by the number of meals that can be made from the starchy orange vegetable and how delicious they can actually be. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the cool setting and the chill atmosphere, especially in the summer garden. (No, it is not the garden they grow the pumpkins in, if you are wondering).

Perhaps you’d prefer some street food from Judah Square Food Truck Park. Don’t let the label “street food” fool you – a great variety of food can be found here and you can actually spend about half an hour making the agonizing decision between your love of sushi and your lust for burgers. (Pro tip: Life is short, get them both).

Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa

It is a city of youth with a great night life

… or “The Fountain of Youth” as I overheard one visibly 50-something lady in the aforementioned café name it, because all the 20-something backpackers, as well as local college students, made her remember her younger days and inspired her to bring more energy to her life now. Shout-out to you, unknown German lady, for not complaining about the loud, drunk crowds filling the streets of Krakow after dark, because the city’s nightlife can get pretty wild even for a 20-year-old. Fortunately, those same young people fill the daytime streets as well – this time acceptably sober – and create the energetic, youthful vibe of the city.

You can see a murder weapon hanging from the ceiling of a historic building in the center of the city

In the center of the Cloth Hall you can see an iron knife hanging from the ceiling. To explain what it’s doing there I have to first tell you the legend of how St Mary’s Church was built. In 13^th century, two brothers were hired to build the two towers of the church. The younger one saw that his brother was doing better and his tower was getting taller. (You can notice nowadays that one of the towers is taller than the other). Envy took over him – he killed his brother, and later killed himself, with the same knife that now dangles on a chain over the thousands of tourists who visit the hall every day. 

It can be the starting point for a lot of amazing day trips

• Some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Krakow is the most famous Nazi death camp: Auschwitz. Though “an amazing day trip” is surely the last thing you will want to call the experience of walking through the camp, it is one of those places that everyone should visit once, so that humanity might remember never to make the same mistakes again.
• About 14 kilometers (8 miles) southeast of Krakow you’ll find the salty underground world of Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you’ll be happy to trade the light of the surface world for some time in an amazing realm some 300 meters underground. The mine’s salt has some health-giving properties, while the cavern’s beauty is out of this world, with rock-salt chapels, sculptures and chandeliers that are truly spectacular to behold. You might be surprised to know that, over the years, bungee jumpers, windsurfers and dancers have performed their craft in Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Fun fact: the was one of the first 12 sites to be added to UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists in 1978.

• Zakopane – Poland’s winter capital – which also happens to be great during summer – is 84 kilometers (52 miles) away from Krakow in the Tatra Mountains. During the summer months, skiing and snowboarding can be substituted for cycling and quad-bike-riding, hiking and horse-riding. Those with a taste for architecture will appreciate the city’s distinct aesthetic, known as Zakopane or Witkiewicz style.

Pin it for later and remind yourself why you should plan your next trip to Krakow:

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But Valencia is much more than a long pristine beach, hearty portions of paella, and refreshing cocktails. Here’s our list of 5 fun ways to enjoy the city:

#1 Taste the world at Mercato Central

Did you know that the biggest European market for fresh products is situated in the city of Valencia? Well, now you know and you better hurry to have a bite of all the delicacies offered at Mercato Central, or the Central Market.

Imagine endless rows of stalls covered with juicy oranges, appealing strawberries, papayas, and many more colorful fruits and veggies. Make your way through the crowds and surrender to the smell of the freshly baked bread stuffed with walnuts, olives, and other indulgent fillings. Don’t miss on all the fish and seafood that have been brought straight from the sea. Plus, the Spanish cheese varieties and the world-famous Iberian ham will be available for a free tasting. But beware: one bite is never enough!

Mercato Central in Valencia, Spain

#2 Move yourself in the Turia Gardens, the park that used to be a river

The Turia Gardens go straight through the heart of Valencia and are an unmissable attraction for all first timers looking to discover the city’s charms.

Did you know that this peculiar park used to be a river? A river that was creating many headaches for the locals. After the devastating flood in 1957, the people of Valencia decided to re-route it, leaving an empty river bed passing throughout the whole city. The river bed has then been transformed into a beautiful green park, a favorite spot for running, cycling, and a refreshing escape from the urban life.

So, why not joining the locals for an invigorating run in the popular Turia Gardens? Plus, this might be good for your waistline after all the cheese and ham you ate the the market.

The old riverbed of the diverted river Turia turned into a park.

#3 Take a guided tour in the old town

Stroll around Valencia’s glorious old town that boasts baroque churches, magnificent cathedrals, charming little squares, and an impressive mix of architectural styles. If mesmerizing sites are not enough, join a guided tour to learn more about the 2,000 year-old history of the city, along with some quirky facts and anecdotes. Such tours are available every day and are generally free. But participants are encouraged to donate as much as they want at the end.

Alternatively, do your own walking tour around the major sightseeing like Plaza de la Virgin, the Serranos Gate, the Silk Exchange, and the Cathedral of Valencia, among other must-see landmarks. Finish with a scoop of ice-cream and a hot cup of black coffee at one of the numerous coffee houses that are always there for you if you get tired.

The old part of Valencia

#4 Go wild in the bioparc

History is not your thing? Nature lovers rejoice because Valencia has to offer more than admirable art, diverse architecture and historical treasures. Leave the old town and head to the bioparc, a modern zoo with almost no fences, where animals are roaming freely in landscapes replicating their natural habitats. Walk around and witness the lemurs happily jumping from branch to branch just above your head. From giraffes licking each other’s necks to gorillas carrying their babies, you can get as close to them as possible. In Valencia, the savanna is just a stone’s throw away, pay it a visit!

Meercats at Bioparc Valencia

READ MORE: 10 fun facts about Spain to know before you go

#5 Enjoy yourself at the beach

Let’s go back to our little Valencia dream. Remember the beach and the cold sangria? It’s time to enjoy them to the fullest. Valencia’s coastline is long and sandy, calling all the travelers who want to feel the light breeze in their hair while chilling by the blue waters, watching the waves washing the golden shores. Is there anything more relaxing than that? Add a warm traditional lunch consisting of paella valenciana (a rice dish with beans, rabbit and chicken meat, snails and seasoned with saffron), and it’s finally time for the cold glass of sangria, or even better ague the valencia (a cocktail made of cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin).

Take this short list of fun activities as a starting point. Keep roaming around the historical streets and the many pretty churches. Hide under the shades in the green parks and share a beer with a stranger, climb a lemon three and enjoy the view from above. Adventures are all around. Go find them and don’t forget to share in the comments!

And now, you can start to think about your next steps – manicure courses, music courses, astrology courses, or improvisation courses 🙂

***

A passionate writer, journalist, and explorer, Yoana Hristova (www.yoanahristova.com) has worked and studied in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Currently based in Bulgaria, she is always on the lookout for great stories that inspire us to travel, grow and discover what life has to offer.

See also: Most Beautiful Spain Gardens. Guide with Tips for First-Timers

and Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Spain: Off the Beaten Path Destinations to Visit

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Specifically, we’d argue there are a number of reasons to make sure that the northern city of Manchester is on your itinerary.

Museums & Galleries

London almost automatically seems like Britain’s best destination for museums and galleries, simply because it’s the capital and that tends to be the way of things. While there are some excellent options in this lane in London though, Manchester can give it a legitimate run for its money. Several incredible museums and galleries, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Castlefield Gallery, The Lowry, and HOME, to name a few, are spread out all around the city. They showcase local history, contemporary art, historical art, and exhibitions relating to very specific themes, and ultimately comprise much of the cultural allure of the city.

The Music Scene

Perhaps more than any other city in the country, Manchester is known for its live music scene, and that doesn’t just mean it has some cool concert venues. The city has a deep and wide-ranging history of musical quality, enveloping everything from The Hallé, an orchestra that’s been active since the 1850s, to the rock group Oasis, which started in the city in 1991, to artists like IAMDDB and Toni Sunmola who are just starting off now. There’s pretty much always something great going on in every conceivable musical genre in Manchester, which makes the whole music scene a blast to dive into.

Incomparable Football

There are wonderful football teams with extensive histories and rabid supporter bases all over Britain. London has the most teams in one city, but Manchester may have the best pedigree. Manchester United is arguably the most historically glorified club on the planet and plays in a legendary venue at Old Trafford. Manchester City has been the class of English football of late and recently overtook Liverpool as the Premier League favorites for 2019 once more. These two rival clubs are simply as good as it gets and makes football in Manchester even more special than it already is throughout most of the country.

Nightlife

As with museums and galleries, it seems almost bland to suggest that a big city has great nightlife. Most big or beloved cities around Europe can make a similar claim, so in a broad sense, this isn’t unique to Manchester. However, it does probably have the best reputation in England in this regard and boasts not only of live music venues and nightclubs but also terrific late-night restaurants and bars that are worth your time. There’s a little bit of everything, which means there’s something for everyone.

The Christmas Markets

A few European cities are known for their incredible holiday season markets, and Manchester is one of them. There are full written guides for how to go about experiencing the Christmas markets in Manchester, which gives you some idea as to how extensive a celebration they are. Naturally, you have to be in town at the right time of year to enjoy this particular attraction, but if you are in Manchester in December you’ll see brilliant decorations, festive crowds, and bustling markets, complete with all sorts of little indulgences to enjoy.

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Reina Sofia Museum

The museum is housed in a six-story building, which was formerly the Old Madrid General Hospital. Nowadays, the building is home to one of the finest collections of 20th-century art in the world. The museum is divided into three collections and includes masterpieces by Picasso and Dali.

• Guernica by Pablo Picasso. Guernica is undoubtedly Picasso’s most famous work, and one of the most moving anti-war art pieces in the world. Created in 1937, it reflects the tragic consequences of war and the toll it takes on civilians. The painting depicts the Nazi bombing over the Basque village of Guernica, as requested by the Spanish Nationalists. It was not just an aesthetic statement; this painting brought international attention to the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.

Guernica by Picasso, 1937 / Wikipedia

• The Great Masturbator by Salvador Dali. This is one of Dali’s most famous works from his surrealist period. The centrally placed head is a kind of self-portrait of Dali and is shaped like the rocks of Cape Creus, where he lived at the time. The nude female figure resembles Gala, who was Dali’s muse during this period. One possible interpretation connects the painting with Dali’s conflicted sexuality and his surreal attempts to express those feelings.

The Great Masturbator by Salvador Dali, 1929 – Richard Mortel/flickr

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

The Thyssen-Bornemisza’s collection was once the second biggest private collection in the world. Now it is often seen as a supplement to the other two museums in the ‘triangle’. Nevertheless, it covers some styles and epochs that the others miss, and houses some world-renowned paintings that are well worth checking out:

• View of Vessenots, Auvers by Vincent van Gogh. Bright colors depict a few cottages and some swaying trees on the horizon in this iconic landscape. The painting – and more specifically the disturbed brushstrokes – is typical of van Gogh’s last period; he painted a lot of landscapes in this manner in the weeks before his death.

View of Vessenots, Auvers by Vincent van Gogh, 1890/ Wikipedia

• The Grand Canal from San Vio, Venice by Giovanni Antonio Canal. Better known as Canaletto, Canal was one of the most famous Venetian painters in the 18th century. His accuracy in depicting the city’s landscapes was appreciated by art lovers and important figures of his era.

The Grand Canal from San Vio, Venice by Giovanni Antonio Canal, 1723/ Wikipedia

Read more about Spain

Pin it so you don’t get lost in the ‘Triangle of Art’:

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Over the Bistrica River there are several small bridges bearing the ceaseless buzz of tourists of all nationalities. In the Old Town of Prizren, you can sit at one of the outdoor cafes, a Turkish tea house or any of the grillrooms offering the local type of grilled delicacy oblong rissoles (only veal meat offered). The meals are delicious, the waiters speak English, the coffee is perfect, and the prices are more than affordable. Here you will find yourself surrounded by the minarets of century-old mosques, bell towers of Orthodox and Catholic churches – all existing peacefully together. All of them are situated within 2-3 minutes walk from each other and you will get easily orientated which way to take following the information signs.

Prizren, Kosovo | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Prizren, Kosovo | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

When we saw a huge Catholic church that was locked, we asked a keeper, whom we saw in the yard, to open it so as to take a look inside. He agreed with a kind smile and even left us alone to take our time inside, only asking to close the door when we finish.

Prizren, Kosovo | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

You should not miss doing some climbing exercise, too. A V-century stronghold is towering over Prizren as a real guardian. On your way to the stronghold, you will pass through the old Serbian neighborhood. There are definitely many ghosts from the past hovering about here – the youngest one should be those from the events that followed Kosovo’s declaration of independence, when many Serbs were forced to leave the city and their homes. The half-destroyed and plundered houses are seen along the slope leading to the stronghold.

Prizren, Kosovo | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

When you reach the top of the hill, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the panoramic view before you – Prizren plainly visible and the sides of Sar Mountain into the distance. The stronghold itself, with all its vaults, shelters, secret exits and lonely standing stones, inspires you to jump around and slip in here and there. If you are fond of photography, here you ll have plenty of opportunities to take a lot of snaps of Prizren from a bird’s eye view.

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#1 Ride the Seaglass Carousel and feel like a child again

Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner/Flickr.com

As a native New Yorker, I am always looking for unique things to do in New York City. So when I heard about the Seaglass Carousel on the Travel Channel, I was absolutely ecstatic.

Located in Lower Manhattan, in Battery Park, the seaglass carousel overlooks the majestic beauty of the Statue of Liberty and is a great stop for anyone touring this part of the City. But this man made marvel is unlike any carousel that I have ever ridden on.  For $5.00 a ride, get in line and hop on the iridescent fish of your choice.

As the music begins and your fish begins to twirl around, you feel like a kid again; a sense of child-like awe and wonder overcomes you as you take in the music and the shimmering colors that sparkle around you. For a moment, you begin to think that you are a part of Ariel’s world in the Little Mermaid, but then the ride comes to a halt and your are propelled back into the reality of Lower Manhattan. A truly one of a kind experience that is fun for adults and children alike.

Kelly Duhigg from Girl With the Passport

#2 Walk the High Line and take time to smell the flowers

High Line NYC Sidewalk Safari | SidewalkSafari.com

The High Line is by far the coolest park and walking route in New York City in my opinion. Built on a former elevated train line that was abandoned for years, the High Line was conceived about 15 years ago and new life was breathed into the track when it was turned into a walking and running path in 3 phases starting in 2009. The High Line begins in the Meatpacking District at Washington and Gansevoort Street and runs all the way to 11th Avenue and 34th Street. The High Line can be quite busy on the weekends but I’ve found that in the early morning during the week, you’ll have the High Line practically to yourself. Get up early, grab a coffee and enjoy a relaxing walk. If you’re a fast walker, you can hike the High Line end-to-end in less than 45 minutes. I’m always tempted to dawdle though. I love admiring New York’s signature water tanks sitting atop the various apartment buildings along the route.

High Line Park is filled with wildflowers and other low maintenance species lending an unkempt air to the place consistent with its history. Why not take some extra time to stop and smell the flowers? Art installations dot the High Line from end-to-end so there is always something new to see every time you visit Manhattan. I love the sense of being above it all when I hike the High Line. There are no traffic signals to slow you down and the city sounds seem to fade away.

Jennifer (aka Dr. J) from Sidewalk Safari

#3 Make an impact by joining a cooking class that support refugees

Photo: Katie Smith/Unsplash.com

A unique and impactful experience to have in New York City is to take a cooking class at League of Kitchens through Visit.org. The food workshops are led by immigrants hailing from all around the world to promote cultural exchange through culinary arts. One of the main reasons why we travel is to taste local food around the globe. What could be better than learning to cook cultural cuisine while impacting the community responsible for it and sharing a meal with new friends? Not only will you learn some new culinary skills, discover exotic flavors and ancient recipes– you’ll also be making a far greater impact than learning to make a new dish by supporting the social enterprise. During the cooking lesson, you’ll have the opportunity to learn traditional recipes from expert home cooks for an authentic feast. This delicious culinary experience supports refugees, which is more important now than ever. ”

Lola Méndez from Miss Filatelista 

#4 Indulge into street art at Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective

Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn | BoardingCallBlog.com

If you’re a street art lover, or just love culture in general, you can’t miss Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective. The Bushwick Collective is an open air street art mural collection you can tour through yourself to explore a side of New York City that many visitors don’t see. So don’t just stick to the typical tourist spots, get out of Manhattan and into Brooklyn!

About the Bushwick Collective: Bushwick native Joe Ficalora founded the Bushwick Collective in an effort to transform his industrial and gritty neighborhood in Brooklyn. In the past years, Bushwick has gone from a neighborhood largely avoided by tourists to a hip area frequented by locals and in-the-know tourists as well. Vogue‘s Anna Wintour even named Bushwick the seventh coolest neighborhood in the world (whatever that means!).

One of the great things about visiting the Bushwick Collective is that it is a bit of a trip from Manhattan which means that the people who are really interested in street art make it there, so it’s not nearly as busy or touristy as your typical Manhattan must-sees.

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the art itself, consider booking a tour with Street Art Walk.

How to get to the  Bushwick Collective: Take the L train to Bushwick and get out at Jefferson St. Station. From there it is a short walk to the Bushwick Collective. Depending on where you leave from in Manhattan, it will likely take you 30-40 minutes. In the area you’ll find cafes and restaurants, so its the perfect place to get breakfast and admire street art for a few hours.

Gabby from Boarding Call 

#5 Discover new bands at the magical Rockwood Music Hall

Takuya Kuroda packed the house last night! 📸 by @silentninjashutter

A post shared by Rockwood Music Hall (@rockwoodmusichall) on Dec 7, 2017 at 8:37am PST

When I moved to New York City eight years ago, I was obsessed with music and bands and going to as many concerts as humanly possible. I worked as an assistant to various artists and interned at record labels, eventually earning my bachelor’s degree in music management. Before I moved to New York, I had visited the city quite a bit and was familiar with one particular music venue called Rockwood Music Hall, which is a unique establishment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan that is both unassuming and perfectly magical.

Rockwood Music Hall consists of three separate “stages” or rooms, ranging in size from extremely tiny (“Rockwood 1” as its known to regulars) to “Rockwood 2” and “Rockwood 3” which have a slightly larger capacity and can host anything from a secret show for a celebrity performer to a gathering of local New York musicians supporting each others’ work. The style of music varies, but you can always assume that even if you don’t know the band, popping in to see who’s playing will always be worth your while.

There is something incredibly special about the atmosphere at Rockwood Music Hall, and it has always been the place I feel most at home in the big city. I have attended hundreds of shows there at this point, and every one is a little different. While it has become more well-known in the past few years, it still has a sort of “speakeasy” vibe and provides an experience that is cozy, welcoming and inspiring all at the same time. Bands from all over the world come to perform at Rockwood, and they have a packed schedule of one artist per hour anywhere from 3 pm to 1 am every single night! Entry is often free, making it an even more enticing evening activity in pricy New York City.

Sierra Dehmler from Passportvoyager.com (where you can find her inside guide to New York City)

#6 Experience Broadway without the Broadway ticket prices

Ellen’s Stardust Diner | beeanythingbutboring.com

One of the most popular things to do when coming to NYC is to go to a Broadway show. What if I told you that you could experience Broadway without the Broadway ticket prices? Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a unique gem located on Broadway St. in Time Square, and is home to the world famous singing waitstaff. The staff will not only take your food order and bring you the world’s most delicious milkshake, but will also sing and dance on tables to Broadway hits! Known as a halfway house to Broadway, the talent level in this place is insane and the turnover rate is high due to the waitstaff getting discovered for Broadway roles. This place is a favorite for both tourists and locals a like and if you decide to have a meal here before going to a Broadway show, be prepared to have the best day of your life! There is ALWAYS a line (like most places in NYC) so be prepared to wait, but once you’re inside you’ll realize why because you won’t want to leave and give up your table either!

Rachael from Bee Anything But Boring 

#7 Visit a mmuseumm the size of a freight elevator

Photo courtesy: Mmuseumm

There is no typo in the heading. This thought-provoking spot located on Cortlandt Alley in New York City is unique in many aspects but mainly in the way it makes you think about contemporary culture, politics and the world as a whole.  The exhibition fitted in a former freight elevator uses ‘object journalism’  as it has been described by journalist Rob Walker to describe Mmuseumm’s original approach to curation. Mmuseumm explores the modern world, current events, and humanity through the exhibition of vernacular objects. The exhibitions are changing and feature wondrous objects such as gluten-free Communion wafer, a selfie-stick that unintentionally cause premature death,

Mmuseumm is open to visitors every Thursday and Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and every Saturday
and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Visible 24/7 though viewing windows and calling into the audio
guide. $5 suggested donation for visitors.

Featured photo courtesy: Mmuseumm

Like it? Pin it!

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We are referring to none other than Steel Pier, Atlantic City’s oldest, yet most popular theme park! Although it’s certainly not the biggest, and probably not the best, amusement park you’ll ever go to, it most certainly has an authentic feel. It’s truly a blast from the past – with the old time skill games, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy and the thrill rides – all stretched out over the ocean.

The park was originally built in the late 1800s. It opened in June 1898 but was destroyed in a fire in 1924. A year later it was renovated but during the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, parts of the pier were damaged or lost once again. Sadly, that would not be the last time the pier would be damaged. Another fire occured in 1969, six months before the opening of the 1970 season, which shortened the size of the pier by about a third. It’s pretty remarkable how this park survived all of these disasters.

Although the park itself is not that big, it has the third largest Ferris wheel in the world – and needless to say, the views from up there are magnificent! You might also want to check out the park at night too. It takes on a different feel with the colourful lights turned on. Even if you’re just enjoying a pleasant walk along the boardwalk, it’s worth checking the place out!

Explore the inside of an elephant

This gigantic elephant structure is known as ‘Lucy the Margate Elephant’ and is located in Margate City, New Jersey, just two miles south of Atlantic City. The elephant was built in 1881 by James V. Lafferty and is made of wood and tin sheeting. The six-story high structure was originally named Elephant Bazaar is considered a wonderful example of novelty architecture – and also – the world’s biggest elephant of course!

V. Lafferty fashioned Lucy after P. T. Barnum’s Jumbo, a famous circus elephant in those times. He built Lucy for real estate purposes, i.e. to attract potential buyers since he pretty much owned most of the real estate in what was then called “South Atlantic City”. His idea was to give people a tour inside the elephant and then show them his land holdings in the area to try and get them interested in purchasing one of his properties. Although the plan was very original, it didn’t work out for Lafferty who had to sell Lucy a few years later.

However, what might actually surprise you, is that under this new owner, this little peculiar construction was rented out as a residence to an English physician and his family! The family built four rooms inside the elephant and lived in it in the summer of 1902. The elephant has also been through rough times throughout the years and was almost about to be demolished 1969, but luckily, the elephant survived its surmise thanks to the Save Lucy committee, a non-profit organization that was formed in order to stop the elephant from being torn down.

In 1976 Lucy was designated as a national historic landmark, and true enough, she has been serving as a unique attraction for over 136 years. A 30-minute tour of the elephant will teach you more about Lucy’s unique architecture and history, and the best part is that you will get to climb a spiral staircase through her insides all the way up to the howdah on her back, providing a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding shore area.

Needless to say, this kind of outing is interesting for both children and adults. There are also a couple of picnic tables on site for you to enjoy a meal after you’re done touring too!

Get a good view of the city

Absecon Lighthouse It’s another authentic and unique place that’s worth a visit! Standing at

52 high, Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, and the fifth tallest lighthouse in the United States.

The lighthouse is situated in the north end of Atlantic City and was built in 1856. The man behind the idea was Dr. Jonathan Pitney, who is also considered to be the Father of Atlantic City. Dr. Pitney was a physician from Philadelphia who truly believed that the peace and tranquility of Absecon Island had a therapeutic effect.

He proposed the construction of the lighthouse in 1930, due to a number of shipwrecks that occured just off the coast and the inlet. The proposal was first rejected after many years since this it was submitted to government entities, but this didn’t stop the doctor in his tracks. He went round gathering petition signatures for years until finally the lighthouse was approved and completed in 1857.

Apart from the mesmerizing views that are in store for you after you’ve climbed the 228 spiral steps to reach the top, the tower itself is a wonderful historical landmark. Everything in the tower itself is original including its first-order Fresnel Lens which is still in place at the top.

Today, the lighthouse has had a lot of restoration done, including a replica of the Lightkeeper’s dwelling, an educational museum, a lovely gift shop and more.

Hit the beach, because it’s summer after all!

When it comes to beaches in Atlantic City, you’ve got plenty to choose from! But just to mention a few, our top favourites are Gunnison Beach and Cape May.

Certainly not for the whole family, Gunnison Beach is the only legal nude beach in New Jersey which can be found at the northern tip of Sandy Hook. However, it’s certainly a tranquil and relaxing beach that offers a wonderful view of Staten Island and Manhattan too! On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more family-friendly but quiet nonetheless, you can pick and choose from one the many bays and boroughs of Cape May.

Cape May which is lined with fascinating Victorian homes, some of which sit right on the beach. Contrary to Gunnison beach, controlled behaviour is a necessity here. The entire city is a National Historic Landmark. If you’re one that loves taking photos, you’ll quickly find that Cape May offers wonderful views and locations for you to capture with your camera and phone!

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